USC wins WPIAL boys’ golf title

By Eleanor Bailey

PHOTO BY ELEANOR BAILEY/STAFF

Upper St. Clair proudly displays the trophy captured during the WPIAL team championships for boys’ golf. The Panthers won the title with a 381 score. Fox Chapel finished runner-up in the Class AAA division with a 411 mark.

With three scores under par, Upper St. Clair steamrolled to its 18th WPIAL title in boys’ golf during the team championships held Oct. 10 at Cedarbrook Golf Course in Belle Vernon. It was the Panthers’ second title in three years.

Grant Engel carded a 3-under-par 69 to claim medalist honors and pace the Panthers to a 30-stroke win over the nearest competitor. USC finished with a 381 score while Fox Chapel claimed the runner-up trophy with a 411. Central Catholic (412) and Peters Township (414) followed in third and fourth place.

“Being the guy with the lowest score is a huge honor,” said Engel. “There were a lot of phenomenal golfers out there.”

Two of them were Engel’s teammates as Thomas Steve and Patrick McDonnell posted the next lowest scores. Each senior fired 1-under-par and finished with 71 scores.

“We thought if at least three of us scored in the low 70s,” said McDonnell, “then we would do well and have a shot (at the title). There was a lot of pressure on us to do well but we all knew that we could do this. Since our freshman year, we have had a good team.”

That good team included Corey Wilding and Nelson Zacur. The two seniors also now have two titles, thanks to their contributing scores of 86 and 84 respectively. Louie Olsakwosky, a freshman, who rounded out USC’s starting line-up now has one championships, too.

“All the championships are special,” said USC coach Todd Flynn, “but this one is particularly special because I have been blessed with wonderful kids. This group is truly special.”

Eleanor Bailey

Sports Editor

Eleanor Bailey has been the sports editor at The Almanac since 1982. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in journalism and speech communications.